Asthma
An Asthma clinic is run by the Nursing Team at the Surgery.
Everyone with asthma or COPD should be reviewed at least once a year, usually in the month of your birthday. On diagnosis all patients should have an extended review with the nurse and follow-up care will be shared by the Doctor and nurse. This is very important to check you are as well as you should be and to review your medication. Lung function testing (spirometry) is also available.
Chew Medical Practice have joined an inhaler recycling programme. There is a recycling box located in the dispensary waiting room. We hope you will support us in limiting the amount of waste sent to landfill and recycle your old inhalers.
Blood Pressure Management
You may be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home as part of the assessment of possible Hypertension.
We can lend you a monitor (£10 refundable cash deposit) so that you can check your blood pressure in a relaxed environment. You will be shown how to take and record your blood pressure measurement. You can also buy these online or at a chemist for a resonable price. You can download a copy of the How to Measure your Blood Pressure form HERE
Blood Tests
Appointments for taking blood samples for testing can be made with our team of Phlebotomists, Healthcare Assistants and our Pharmacy Technician.
The time of day for these appointments will depend on the type of blood test required, you will be advised by our receptionists at time of booking.
Cervical Smears
This is a simple painless test to detect cells on the neck of the womb which are treatable if dealt with early, but may turn into cancer cells if left untreated. You will be invited by letter for your smear, which will normally be done by one of our nurses. All women are recommended to have a test every 3 - 5 years (depending on age) from 25 years of age until aged 65.
Most women who have had a hysterectomy do not need routine smears. However please contact the nurse on an individual basis with enquiries.
For more information, please follow the link https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/
Child Health Clinic
Child Health clinics at the surgery are run by a GP with the support of a nurse. New mothers are invited to make an appointment for themselves and their baby for a post-natal check-up and baby health check 6-8 weeks after giving birth. If the baby is 8 weeks old, this appointment can be combined with the first childhood immunisations. The local team of Health Visitors provide other support on all aspects of child development. The BANES and Mendip community services can be contacted on 0300 247 0055.
Contraceptive and Family planning
Chew Medical Practice offers a full range of contraceptive services including coil fitting, Mirena coils, contraceptive injections, implant insertion and removal, as well as oral contraceptive pills and emergency contraception. All consultations are confidential, regardless of age.
Drs Root, Vardanega and Norgren offer implant and coil fits, by appointment only. Before a coil or implant is arranged you will have a discussion with a GP to ensure it is the right thing for you and explain the procedure and any special requirements prior to fitting (such as needing a swab or bridging contraception). Please contact reception to arrange this on 01275 332420.
If you need emergency contraception, you can purchase this over the counter at a pharmacy or speak to the duty doctor.
Diabetic Clinic
Everyone with diabetes should be reviewed annually, usually by a member of the nursing team. Please contact the reception team in the month of your birthday to book your appointment. For more information on Diabetes, please use the following link https://www.diabetes.org.uk
Exercise and Fitness
We believe exercise and fitness are very important for health and wellbeing. Exercise helps your heart, bones, joints and overall wellbeing. It also reduces stress, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer, and helps you lose weight. Exercise is fun and keeps you healthy.
If you would like help to motivate you to take exercise and lose weight, make an appointment with a healthcare assistant or a practice nurse. They can refer you to free or subsidised classes or individual support.
Leg Ulcer Clinic
The Nursing Team offers comprehensive assessment and support to patients who need regular monitoring of leg ulcers. This is supported by the GPs in conjunction with Secondary care and the District Nursing team.
Well Person Checks
Well Person Checks (including blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks)
The Health Care Assistants offer a full health check. This is offered to all patients who register at the practice and is available to anyone who feels they may benefit from the service. The nursing team can advise and support all aspects of health promotion and health care. If they cannot provide a particular service they can usually suggest where to go to get appropriate advice and/or treatment.
Smoking Cessation
Please contact the reception team to book your appointment with a smoking cessation adviser. They can support you on your journey to stop smoking.
They are able to issue and advise on appropriate forms of nicotine replacement therapies, including the use of patches, gum and other items.
For further information on getting help with quitting smoking, please click on the link NHS stop smoking service